Snapper ICFR5OO4B User Manual

Safety Instructions & Operator's Manual for

INTERMEDIATE

REAR TINE TILLER

SERIES 4

MODEL

ICFR5OO4B

®

MODEL NUMBER EXPLANATION

MODEL DESIGNATION
REAR TINE MODEL

I - Intermediate Size Model

C - Counter Rotating Tines
F - Forward Rotating Tines

R - Rear Tine Type Model

Thank you for buying a SNAPPER Product! Before operating your TILLER, read this manual carefully and pay

particular attention to the "IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS" on Page 2. Remember that all power

equipment can be dangerous if used improperly. Also keep in mind that SAFETY requires careful use in
accordance with the operating instructions and common sense!

50 - 5 HP Engine (Horse Power) 4 - Series Designation B - Briggs Engine

SERIES DESIGNATION

ENGINE MODEL

ENGINE HP

SNAPPER McDonough, GA., 30253 U.S.A.

COPYRIGHT © 1999
SNAPPER INC.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

MANUAL No. 7-2130 (REV. 1, 4/30/99)

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: This powerful machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and can throw objects that can
cause injury and damage! Failure to comply with the following instructions may result in serious injury to the
operator or other persons. The owner of the tiller must understand these instructions and, furthermore, must
allow only persons who understand these instructions to operate tiller. Each person operating the tiller must be
of sound mind and body and must not be under the influence of any substance, which might impair vision,
dexterity, or judgment. If you have any questions pertaining to your tiller which your dealer cannot answer to
your satisfaction, call or write the Customer Service Department at SNAPPER, McDonough, Georgia, 30253.

Phone: [phone]).

PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN OPERATIONAL PRECAUTIONS

1. DO NOT allow children in area when tiller is
being operated.

2. DO NOT allow pre-teenage children to operate
tiller.

3. Allow only responsible teenagers or adults with

mature judgment to operate tiller and only under
close supervision.

4. Keep the area clear of all persons, particularly
small children, and pets.

5. Know how to STOP the tiller and disengage the

controls quickly.

PREPARATION

1. Read this manual, get to know where all controls
are located and practice how to use them before

starting for the first time, and at the beginning of
each season. Be thoroughly familiar with the

controls and proper use of the equipment. Pay
attention to Warning and Instructional Decals on

engine and tiller.

2. Never operate tiller without proper guards, drag
shield, plates, safety switches, or other safety

protective devices in place and properly
connected. Inspect to determine that these safety
devices are installed properly, are in good repair,
and operate properly. If the condition or
operation of these devices are questionable, they
must be repaired or replaced before using the

tiller.

3. Thoroughly inspect the area where the tiller is to
be used and remove all stones, sticks, wire,
bones and other foreign objects. Also, note the
location of holes, stumps, and other possible

hazards.

4. DO NOT operate tiller when barefoot or wearing
open sandals. Always wear long pants and

substantial footwear with good traction.

5. Fill fuel tank outdoors and replace fuel cap
before starting engine. Use approved fuel
container. DO NOT smoke near open fuel

container. DO NOT fill fuel tank indoors or when

engine is running. Allow engine to cool for at

least ten minutes before refilling. Wipe off any

spilled fuel before starting engine. DO NOT run
engine indoors.

6. Make sure that clutch is disengaged and

transmission is in neutral (if so equipped) before
starting engine.

1. DO NOT change engine governor settings or
over speed engine.

2. DO NOT put hands or feet near or under rotating

parts.

3. Exercise CAUTION when crossing gravel drives,

walks, or roads, and under any conditions when
tiller is transported. Look behind and use care
when backing.

4. After striking a foreign object or if tiller vibrates

abnormally, STOP the engine, disconnect and

secure spark plug wire away from plug. Inspect
the tiller for any damage and repair the damage.

5. When leaving tiller unattended, disengage clutch,

shift transmission to neutral (if so equipped) and
stop the engine.

6. Before removing debris or cleaning tines,
repairing or inspecting make certain engine,

tines and all moving parts have STOPPED.

Disconnect and secure spark plug wire away

from plug to prevent accidental starting.

7. Exercise CAUTION when changing directions

while operating tiller. DO NOT till in areas where
stability or traction is in doubt.

8. DO NOT overload the machine capacity by
attempting to till too deep at too fast a rate.

9. Be extra careful when tilling hard ground. Use
less tine engagement to maintain control of tiller.

10. Till only in daylight or in good artificial light.

11. Never operate tiller in wet areas. Always be sure

of your footing; keep a firm hold on the handle.

12. Do not operate on slopes

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE

1. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight and be sure

tiller is in safe operating condition.

2. Never store tiller with fuel in tank inside of a
building where fumes may reach an open flame

or spark. Allow engine to cool before storing in
any enclosure.

3. To reduce fire hazard, keep engine free of spilled
fuel, debris and excessive grease.

4. Have your tiller inspected and serviced each year
by an authorized Snapper dealer. Determine if
any additional devices are available which might
upgrade the safety of your tiller.

5. Factory specified Snapper replacement parts
must be used to assure adequate protection

against injury.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ................................................... 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................ 3

SECTION 1 - FAMILIARIZATION .............................................................. 4

SECTION 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ......................................... 5-6

Transmission Positions ............................................................... 5

Pre-Start Checklist ........................................................................ 5

Starting & Stopping ................................................................... 5-6

Handlebar Adjustment .................................................................. 6

Transporting .................................................................................. 6

Tilling Procedure ........................................................................... 6

SECTION 3 - ADJUSTMENTS & REPAIR ............................................. 7-9

Service Parts & Assistance .......................................................... 7

Standing Tiller On End ................................................................. 7

Tiller Lubrication ........................................................................... 7

Tiller Tines ..................................................................................... 8

Belt Adjustment & Replacement .................................................. 8

Off Season Storage ....................................................................... 9

Tine Replacement ......................................................................... 9

WARRANTY ............................................................................................ 10

PRIMARY MAINTENANCE ................................................................ 11-14

NOTES .................................................................................................... 15

Section 1 - FAMILIARIZATION

CLUTCH
CABLE

COVER

DASH
PANEL

DEPTH
BAR

HANDLE_
BRACKET

TINE
COVER

HANDLEBAR

WHEEL&TINE
CONTROL BAIL

_WHEEL & TINE

SHIFT LEVER

SHIFT COVER

O

SPEED CONTROL

LEFT SIDE SHOWN TO

VIEW CHECK PLUG

ENGINE AIR FILTER

CONTROL

MAIN CASE GR
CHECK PLUG

ENGINE

DRIVE
BELT

GUARD

DRAG

MAIN CASE
FILL PLUG

TINE

STARTER ROPE,

TIRE & WHEEL. TRANSMISSION STAND-UP

CHAIN CASE BAR

ENGINE OIL
CHECK/FILL

PLUG

OIL DRAIN
PLUG

WEIGHT
BOX

FIGURE 1

1.1

INTRODUCTION: This manual covers the recommended operating procedure and routine service

requirements on SNAPPER Intermediate Rear Tine Tiller. It is recommended that all operators of this Tiller
become thoroughly familiar with the controls and proper operation of the unit before operating. Specific
details involving the engine are found in the separate engine owner's manual. Study these manuals before
operating and keep both handy for future reference. Refer to Figure 1 above for location of controls and
other essential components.

Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

2.1 BEFORE OPERATING:

Be thoroughly familiar with the operation of ALL controls and

how to use them BEFORE operating your Tiller.
Transmission shifting is done by shifting the WHEEL and
TINE SHIFT LEVER into the desired position. See Figure 3.

2.1.1 TRANSMISSION POSITIONS: The tiller has five

different transmission positions. They are as viewed from
the operator's position, viewed from the left to right as

follows:

1. FWD & FWD TIL - (Forward Rotating Wheels and

Forward Rotating Tines are engaged).

2. FWD & REV TIL - (Forward Rotating Wheels and

Reverse Rotating Tines are engaged).

3. FWD - (Forward Rotating Wheels are engaged).

4. NEU - (Wheels and Tines are disengaged).

5. REV - (Reverse RotatingWheels).

2.2 PRE-START CHECKLIST

Make the following checks and perform services as required

before each start up. NOTE: Before checking oil level place

2x4 piece of wood under both wheels to level engine.

2.2.1 CHECK ENGINE OIL and bring level up to full. (Refer
to engine manual for oil specifications).

2.2.2 CHECK AIR CLEANER and service according to

instructions in engine manual.

2.2.3 CHECK EXTERNAL SURFACES and remove dirt

and dust accumulation and clean tines as needed.

2.2.4 CHECK GUARDS to make sure all are in proper

position and securely tightened.

2.2.5 FILL FUEL TANK where fumes will be safely

dissipated. Refer to engine manual for fuel specifications.

When the wheel and tine control is activated, the tines

rotate in a rearward or forward direction. With the engine
running, shift into the desired transmission position and

pull the WHEEL and TINE CONTROL BAIL against the
handle bar to start wheel or wheel and tine rotation.

Wheel or wheel and tine rotation is STOPPED by

releasing the WHEEL and TINE CONTROL BAIL. When

the bail is released, rotation should STOP even with the
WHEEL and TINE SHIFT LEVER in an engaged

position. See Figures 3 and 4.

WHEEL & TINE CONTROL

FWD &_._ EV

FWD TILL

FWD &

REV TILL

FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS IN OPERATOR'S MANUAL

SHIFTING MAY REQUIRE

PARTIALLY ENGAGING CLUTCH BAIL

FIGURE 3

2.3 STARTING - STOPPING

Know beforehand how to stop the tines, wheel drive and

engine in preparation for possible emergencies. The engine

is stopped by pulling the engine SPEED CONTROL to the

rear to OFF. See Figure 2.

STOP

\

ENGINE SPEED

CONTROL

FIGURE 2

TO STOP
WHEEL & TINE

DRIVE RELEASE

WHEEL & TINE
CONTROL B_L

FIGURE 4

2.4 ENGINE STARTING PROCEDURE

Step 1: Place the WHEEL and TINE SHIFT LEVER in

the NEUTRAL position and make sure the WHEEL and
TINE CONTROL BAIL is in the released position.

Step 2: For cold starts, move the CHOKE CONTROL

on the engine forward into CHOKE position.

See Figure 5.

Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

2.6 TRANSPORTING

PUSH FORWARD

TO CHOKE

\

LEVER

FIGURE 5

Step 3: Move ENGINE SPEED CONTROL to FAST

position.

Step 4: Move to the right side of Tiller and place your
foot on top of the right wheel (See starting procedure

decal located on top of the tine cover), hold handle bar,
then pull the ROPE STARTER HANDLE in smooth,

steady motion until the engine starts. To prolong the life
of the rope, guide the handle back to the engine rather

than allowing it to snap back.

2.6.1 FORWARD/REVERSE: To transport the
Tiller to a new tilling site using its own power, raise

the tines to clear lawn and paved surfaces to
prevent gouging. Release the WHEEL and TINE

CONTROL BAIL and lift the rear of the Tiller to take
the weight off the DEPTH BAR (see Figure 7), then
push the DEPTH BAR downward into notch setting

that allows the tines to clear the ground surface.
Place the WHEEL and TINE SHIFT LEVER in FWD

or REV. Pull the WHEEL and TINE CONTROL
BAIL back against the handlebar to engage the

wheel drive and transport the unit.

2.6.2 To transport the Tiller to a new tilling site by
pushing it, place the WHEEL and TINE SHIFT

LEVER in the NEUTRAL position, and with the bail
released, push the unit with the handle bar. The

Tiller may be pushed with the engine running or
shut off.

ADJUST UP OR

DOWN TO
DESIRED

TILLING DEPTH

TILL

DEEP

TILL

DEPTH

Step 5: Allow a brief warm-up period, then move the

CHOKE CONTROL rearward to RUN POSITION and the

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL to the desired speed

setting. Refer to the tilling procedure column on this

page.

Step 6: To STOP the engine, pull the ENGINE SPEED

CONTROL on engine rearward into OFF position.

2.5 HANDLE BAR ADJUSTMENT

Remove retaining screw and nut from handle bar

bracket. Adjust handle bar "UP" or "DOWN" as required.

Reinstall screw and nut. See Figure 6.

LOW

MEDIUM

REMOVE

SCREW TO
ADJUS1

HANDLEBAR

HANDLE

HIGH

PULL SPRING
BACK TO

RELEASE

TENSION

FIGURE 7

2.7 TILLING PROCEDURE

Tines are engaged ONLY when the WHEEL and TINE

SHIFT LEVER is in the FWD & FWD TIL or FWD & REV

TIL position and the WHEEL and TINE CONTROL BAIL is

held against the handle bar.
STEP 1: Set HANDLE BAR in desired position before

beginning operation.
STEP 2: Set DEPTH BAR to desired position. Highest

position is deepest depth. See Figure 7.
STEP3: Move the ENGINE SPEED CONTROL to

desired setting.
STEP 4" To start TILLING action, move the WHEEL and

TINE SHIFT LEVER to the FWD & FWD TIL or FWD

REV TIL position.
STEPS: Engage the WHEEL and TINE CONTROL.
Machine will start forward movement and tilling.

FIGURE 6

IMPORTANT: To STOP forward movement and tine
rotation, release the wheel and tine control.

Section 3- ADJUSTMENTS & REPAIR

3.1 SERVICE PARTS & ASSISTANCE

To retain the original quality of your Tiller, use only
genuine SNAPPER replacement parts. Specify the

model and serial number as found on the nameplate of
your Tiller when contacting your SNAPPER Dealer for

parts or service assistance.

€

3.2 STANDING THE TILLER ON END

STAND

WARNING

Before attempting any adjustments, maintenance,
service, or repairs, stop tines and engine, always

remove spark plug wire and secure wire away from
spark plug. NEVER stand Tiller on end with the
engine running! Allow engine to cool for at least ten

minutes before draining or refilling fuel. Wipe off any
spilled fuel before starting engine. If the fuel tank is
over half full when the Tiller is placed on end, gasoline

may leak from the carburetor vent hole and drip down
the outside surface of the engine creating a potential

FIRE HAZARD! Gasoline may also leak unnoticed

into the engine cylinder and wash away lubricating
oil causing engine damage. Take all necessary

precautions to prevent fuel leakage BEFORE
standing the Tiller on end. Any draining of fuel must be
done outside with the engine cool and away from

ignition sources. If the Tiller is stored on end for any

length of time, check it frequently for signs of fuel
and/or oil leakage. Use approved fuel container. DO

NOT smoke near open fuel container. DO NOT drain or
fill fuel tank indoors or when engine is running. DO

NOT run engine indoors.

TILLER ON

END TO
DRAIN

ENGINE OIL

3.3

TILLER LUBRICATION

3.3.1. CHECK LUBRICATION IN CHAIN CASE:

Check the level of the grease in the chain case at

the beginning of each tilling season. Remove

clevis pin and cotter pin that secures left hand

tire/wheel to axle. Remove wheel. Check grease

level by removing the plastic plug located beside

the axle shaft on the lower left hand side. See

Figure 9. The level should be up to the edge of the

opening.

\

OIL

PLUG

FIGURE 8

3.2.1 ENGINE SERVICE: Refer to the engine

owner's manual for details. Engine oil is drained by
removing front filler plug and standing Tiller on end.

See Figure 8.

3.2.2 SERVICE NOTE: Since a Tiller normally
operates under extremely dusty or dirty conditions,

the air cleaner, engine oil and cooling fins must be
serviced as specified in the engine manual at

frequent intervals. The Tiller itself should be

serviced as follows:

\ j r_- GREASE LEVEL)

/, / /r .o ovE,.

=!1

LEVEL

FIGURE 9

Section 3 -ADJUSTMENTS & REPAIR

3.3.2. ADD LUBRICATION TO CHAIN CASE: To

add grease, remove the filler plug located just
forward of the pulley shaft on the right hand side.
See Figure 10. Add Snapper Part No. 2-9577

Benalene 900 grease (4 oz. Bottle) as needed to
bring level up to bottom edge of the check plug
opening. The total capacity of the case is about 48
ounces. DO NOT exceed this amount. Reinstall

check plugs after checking. NOTE: Also available
Snapper Part No. 2-9296 Benalene 900 grease (32

oz. Bottle).

CHAIN
CASE

MAIN CASE

RIGHT

WHEEL

FILL PLUG

FIGURE 10

3.4 TILLER TINES

Your Snapper Tiller has right hand and left hand tines.

Replace both tines if blades become bent or are badly
worn or otherwise damaged. Use correct Snapper

replacement tines. The tines are secured to the tine shaft
with a shear bolt, Part No. 2-8725 and Lock Nut Part No.

9-0222 on each side. NOTE: Two extra nuts and two

bolts come with tiller. Keep spares on hand in case a bolt

shears off or becomes lost while tilling. See Figure 11.

DO NOT over tighten these shear bolts as this will cause

premature failure. (Recommended torque is 5 to 8 foot

pounds maximum). NOTE: Failure to use the correct

shear bolts could result in serious damage to your Tiller.

Use only the genuine Snapper replacement bolts and

lock nuts specified above. These bolts are designed to

shear at a specific stress to prevent damage. DO NOT

use substitutes!

SHEAR BOLT

(TORQUE TO

8 FT. LBS.)

TINE
ASSEMBLY

FIGURE 11

3.5 BELT ADJUSTMENT- REPLACEMENT

BELT TENSION ADJUSTMENT: Remove the cotter pin
that secures clevis pin to left wheel hub. Remove clevis pin

from left wheel hub and slide wheel out on axle about 1"
Remove belt guard. Measure the length idler pulley spring

at the end of the control cable in a relaxed position. Then
move wheel and tine control bail up to the handle bar and
measure the extended length of the spring. When properly

adjusted, the spring will extend 1/4" to 1/2". See Figure 12.
To adjust, loosen and reposition the two jam nuts on the

threaded end of cable located on the dash panel. Move

jam nuts toward the end of threaded end of cable for more

tension. Move jam nuts in a direction away from the end of
threaded end of cable for less tension. See Figure 13. After

adjustment, retighten both jam nuts against dash panel.
Reinstall belt guard. Slide wheel back into operating

position and reinstall clevis pin and secure with hair pin.

1/4" TO

BELT

PULLEY

IDLER
PULLEY

FIGURE 12

Section 3 -ADJUSTMENTS & REPAIR

OFF SEASON STORAGE

Thoroughly clean all external surfaces and tines before

storing the Tiller. The Tiller may be stored on end,
however, the following steps must be taken:

STEP 1: Drain gasoline from fuel system and drain the

DASH PANEL

'CLUTCH

CABLE

MOVE NUTS
TOWARD END

OF CABLE FOR
MORE TENSION

FIGURE 13

3.5.1

TENSION TEST: Start the engine with tiller in
neutral. Shift transmission into FWD & TILL

and pull the wheel and tine control bail up
against the handle bar. Tines and wheels will
start to rotate. Release control bail. Tines and

wheels should stop rotating immediately. If
rotation continues after release of control bail

then clutch spring tension is to great and will
have to be readjusted as described in BELT

TENSION ADJUSTMENT Section.

3.5.2

BELT REPLACEMENT: Pull the clevis pin

from the left wheel and slide the wheel out 1",
remove belt guard and then the old belt.

NOTE: Replacement belt must go over the top
of the idler and be within the belt guide as

shown in Figure 14. Check belt tension as
described in BELT TENSION ADJUSTMENT

Section. Reinstall guard, push left wheel back
into position, secure with clevis pin and insert,

and secure cotter pin.

engine crankcase oil (refer to engine manual for details).
STEP 2: After standing the Tiller on end, check the plugs
in the chain case for leakage. After extended period,
some grease may seep through upper bearing races.
STEP 3: Remove both wheels and grease wheel shafts.
Reinstall wheels. Remove both tines and grease tine

shafts. Reinstall tines. Grease these shafts when tiller is
stored for long periods to prevent rust buildup. Rust

buildup will cause wheels and tines difficult to remove.
STEP 4" At the start of the new season, replenish engine
crank case oil and add gasoline to the fuel tank after
returning the Tiller to its wheels.
STEP 5: Before starting, move the ENGINE CONTROL to
OFF and pull rope starter slowly several times. If
excessive resistance is felt, remove the spark plug and
pull rope starter rapidly to spin the engine and clear oil

from the cylinder. Clean and reinstall spark plug before

attempting to start the engine.

3.5.3 TINE REPLACEMENT: Remove left and right side
plate. Remove shear bolts and nuts that secure the

tine assembly to tine shaft. Remove shoulder bolts and
nuts that secure the tines to tine hub weldment. Install

new tines and tighten nuts and bolts securely.

5-7831
4-6798

3-8215

1-4981

9-0524

Complete Tine Assembly (Includes Following Items)

Tine Hub Weldment
Tine 11-1/2" (4)

Hex Flange Shoulder Bolt 3/8-24 (8)
Hex Lock Nut 3/8-24 (8)

BELT
GUIDE

DRIVE

BELT
OVERTOP

OFIDLER

FIGURE 14

SHIFT
LEVER

DRIVEN

_r

Available Kits z ]

6-0731 Hiller/Furrower Kit
6-0865 Cultivator Shield Kit

FIGURE 15

3 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

For three (3) years from purchase date for the original purchaser's residential, non-commercial use, SNAPPER, through
any authorized SNAPPER dealer will replace, free of charge (except for taxes where applicable), any part or parts found
upon examination by the factory at McDonough, Georgia, to be defective in material or workmanship or both.

For ninety (90) days from purchase date for the original purchaser's commercial, rental, or other non-residential use,
SNAPPER, through any authorized SNAPPER dealer will replace, free of charge, any part or parts found upon
examination by the factory at McDonough, Georgia, to be defective in material or workmanship or both.

All transportation costs incurred by the purchaser in submitting material to an authorized SNAPPER dealer for

replacement under this warranty must be paid by the purchaser.

This warranty does not apply to engines and their components, and batteries, as these items are warranted separately.
This warranty does not apply to parts that have been damaged by accident, alteration, abuse, improper lubrication,

normal wear, or other cause beyond the control of SNAPPER. This warranty does not cover any machine or component
part that has been altered or modified changing safety, performance, or durability.

Batteries have a one (1) year prorated warranty period with free replacement if required during the first ninety (90) days

from the original purchase date. SNAPPER will not be responsible for any installation cost incurred. The battery warranty
only covers original equipment batteries and does not cover damage to the battery or machine caused by neglect or

abuse, destruction by fire, explosion, freezing, overcharging, improper maintenance, or use of improper electrolyte.

There is no other express warranty.

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY

Implied warranties, including those of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to three
(3) years from purchase date for the original purchaser's residential or other non-commercial use, and ninety
(90) days from purchase for the original purchaser's commercial, rental or other non-residential use, and to the

extent permitted by law, any and all implied warranties are excluded. This is the exclusive remedy. Liabilities for

consequential damages, under any and all warranties are excluded.

Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, or do not allow the exclusion or
limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
WARNING: THE USE OF REPLACEMENT PARTS OTHER THAN GENUINE SNAPPER PARTS MAY IMPAIR THE

SAFETY OF SNAPPER PRODUCTS AND WILL VOID ANY LIABILITY AND WARRANTY BY SNAPPER

ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF SUCH PARTS.

IMPORTANT: Pleasefill out the attached SNAPPER Product Registration Card immediately and mail to:

Snapper's Product Registration Center, P.O. Box 1379, McDonough, Georgia 30253

10

PRIMARY MAINTENANCE

vs.DIRT I

an

illustration of

how dirt can

_engine & how

reasonable

®

ge your

Snapper uses the best avail-
able engines and components

In their products in order to

provide long, satisfactory
service. However, proper
care is essential In

prolonging engine life. Dirt

Is your engine's enemy

number 11

maintenance

can protect it!

The engine on your Snapper
product spends Its entire life

operating close to the ground at
high speed creating a virtual

storm of dust and dirtl

11

PRIMARY MAINTENANCE

gulp about 12,000
gallons of air for

used. Because of
its working environ-

ment, the air available
to your Snapper engine Is "

heavily saturated with air-
borne dirt particles.

I(nowing that dirt will
quickly ruin an engine,
manufacturers equip their
engines with extremely

efficient air cleaners to
filter out the harmful dirt.

As the dirt particles are stopped,

they build up and begin to clog
the outside of the filter. This

reduces the amount of air
available to the engine and causes

an over-rich fuel mixture which re-
sults In the following adverse

effects:

An Improperly serviced, dirt

clogged air cleaner will:

1. Increase fuel consumption

2. cause power loss

3. result In hard starting

4. create smoke from unburned
fuel

5. produce carbon build-up ;
Internally

6. foul spark plug electrodes

7. score cylinder walls

8. burn valves

9. wear out the engine pre-
maturely

10. COST YOU MONEY!

Damage caused by a poorly serviced air
cleaner is not covered under the engine

warranties. So, save yourself unnecessary
expenses and undue aggravation by keeping
the air cleaner properly serviced at the Intervals
specified In the engine owner's manual.

It doesn't take long to service an air cleaner.
Follow the specific instructions In the engine

owner's manual for the type filter used. Pre-
vent dirt from falling Into the carburetor Intake

when ssrvicing your air cleaner• Make sure
components are Installed In correct sequence
after ssrvicing to prevent unfiltered air from
entering the engine. Some servicing hints on

several common types are:

12

PRIMARY MAINTENANCE

Generally, wash foam-type filters
In a dishwashlng detergent and
water solution. Rinse and wring

dry, then saturate with oil and
squeeze out excess. Failure to

re-oil this type filter will ruin the
engine.

Clean paper elements by tapping
lightly. Blowing with air will

rupture paper elements.

Use a flashlight to detect clogged
or torn paper elements - replace If

damaged in any way.

Air is also needed to keep
your engine cool. Dirt, dust
& debris build up to restrict

and clog cooling air Intake
screens and fins. Clean

screens and fins at frequent

Intervals. The engine blower
housing and shrouds should
be removed at least once
each season or more often

under dry, dusty conditions
for a thorough cleaning of

fins.

Failure to keep external

surfaces clean not only

presents fire hazards, but

causes overheating and

resulting engine damages

such as:

1. distorted valve guides

2. sticking valves

° o. 3. scuffed, scored

.,,_. walls

4. overspeedlng

5. loss of power

6. complete failure of
engine.

Dirt can also be Introduced

Into an engine In dirty fuel

from a contaminated
container. Always use clean

fresh fuel from a clean

container to guard against
dirt, sludge and water

contamination.

Be aware that fuel breaks
down in storage and forms
gummy compounds which

will block carburetor pass-
ages. Never use fuel more

than 3 months old. Drain
tank then run the engine out

of fuel before storing during
the off-season.

An engine must also have proper lubrication.
All englnes use some oli. On 4-cycle englnes,

CHECK OIL LEVEL BEFORE EACH START-UP.
Wlpe area clean around the oli check plug or

dlpstlck opening to keep dlrt from falllng Into
the englne when checklng the oli. Always

check wlth the machlne on a level surface.
On englnes wlth dlpstlck, keep the level up to,

but not over, the FULL mark. When addlng oli,
allow tlme for all of the oli to flow down the fill

tube to prevent a false full readlng when the
level could actually be low and result In englne
damage.

13

PRIMARY MAINTENANCE

On 4-cyle engines with an oll level plug,
don't be fooled into thinking the engine has

sufficient lubricating oil if you can see "some"
oil in the opening - the level should always be
brought up to the point of at the
top of the fill hole.

I

Change oil at regular Intervals using a a high
quality oil such as Snapper's small engine

formulated 4-cycle engine oil Refer to the
engine owner's manual for oll details.

On 2-cycle englnse, lubrication must be
provided by an exact mixture of gasoline

and 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil. A 2-cycle
engine that Is mistakenly run on straight
gasoline will be ruined in less than 5

mlnutesl If you keep straight gasoline in

addition to pre-mixed 2-cycle engine fuel,
be sure the containers are clearly marked

to avoid mix-up.

Snapper 2-cycle engines require a 32 to 1

mixture of gasoline and BIA certified TC-W

oll such as Snapper's 2-cycle engine oil.

Many of the 2-cycle engine oils on the

market today make fantastic claims, but for
the best performance and long engine life,

always use Snapper 2-cycle oil Pre-mix
the fuel and always shake the container

before filling the tank.

STARTING CHECK UST

1. Engine Oil

2. Air Cleaner

3. Fuel Tank

4. Choke

5. Primer (on
some engines)

6. Safety Inter-
lock Switches

7. Switch &
Blade Control

8. Spark plug

g. Throttle

control

10. Blade

11. Muffler

• Grass & leaves cleaned away

• To full level (4-cycle)

• Properly mixed with gas
(2 cycle)

• Clean and properly serviced

• Full fresh clean gasoline

• Fuel valve open

• Cap vent open

• Inline filter clean

• Operating properly

• Used properly

• In proper position

• All wires properly connected

• Switch On

• Blade control properly
positioned on walk mower

• Wire connected

• Good connection

• Start position

• Properly Installed and
torqued

• Sharpened

• Good condition

• Not clogged

Read and follow all safety

Instructions in safety book. I
lets and manuals. )

Keep in mind that dirt Is your engine's enemy
#1 both Internally and externallyl Internally,

dirt will quickly ruin an engine and externally
It will cause overheating and resulting Internal

Damage caused by Improper lubrl-

poor air cleaner service or overhesting

due to dirt cannot be covered under warranty.

It only takes a few moments to service the
engine (and equipment) on a routine basis

but the rewards will be a quick starting, re-
sponsive engine that will provide long
satisfactory service with minimum maintenance

cost. The prestart checklist In the next column
and Instructions In your Snapper Operator's

Manual are designated to help you keep your
Snapper In top operating condition with

minimum effortf

I iii i

14

SERVICE NOTES

15

SERVICE NOTES

16

SERVICE NOTES

17

Safety Instructions & Operator's Manual for

INTERMEDIATE
REAR TINE TILLER

SERIES 4

®

I_L WARNING: The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State I

of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

SNAPPERMcDonough,GA., 30253 U.S.A.

COPYRIGHT © 1999
SNAPPER INC.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

MANUAL No. 7-2130 (REV. 1, 4/30/99)

18

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